UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is a treasure trove of cultural and historical wonders, featuring UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Sacred Mountain Sulaiman-Too in Osh, the Great Silk Road routes, and the stunning landscapes of the Western Tien Shan. Beyond its natural beauty, the country is home to numerous masterpieces of intangible cultural heritage. As you explore these traditions, you’ll uncover the fascinating reasons behind Kyrgyz trance rituals, the significance of kok-boru and ak-kalpak, and the vital elements of a traditional bride’s dowry, among many other cultural insights.

Kyrgyzstan has 15 traditions and cultural practices recognized on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, showcasing its rich and diverse heritage:

• The Art of Akyns, Kyrgyz Epic Tellers (inscribed in 2008): Celebrating the oral storytelling tradition of akyns, who keep the country’s history and folklore alive through epic recitations.

• Ala-kiyiz and Shyrdak, Kyrgyz Traditional Felt Carpets (added in 2012): This endangered craft highlights the intricate art of felt-making, used to create vibrant and symbolic carpets.

• Kyrgyz Epic Trilogy: Manas, Semetey, Seytek (added in 2013): These epic tales recount the heroic deeds of Manas and his descendants, a cornerstone of Kyrgyz cultural identity.

• Traditional Knowledge and Skills in Making Kyrgyz and Kazakh Yurts (added in 2014): The centuries-old techniques of building yurts (traditional nomadic dwellings) reflect a deep connection to nature and nomadic life.

• Aitysh/Aitys, the Art of Improvisation (added in 2015): This lively competition of poetic dueling showcases wit, humor, and quick thinking as participants improvise verses on the spot.

• Nooruz (added in 2016): Celebrating the ancient spring festival, Nooruz symbolizes renewal and harmony, marked by traditional rituals, music, and feasts.

• Flatbread Making and Sharing Culture: Jupka (added in 2016): This tradition emphasizes the importance of bread in Kyrgyz culture, focusing on the communal aspect of baking and sharing jupka flatbread.

• Kok Boru: Traditional Horse Game (added in 2017): This thrilling horseback game, akin to polo, involves fierce competition and teamwork as players vie to place a goat carcass in the opposing team’s goal.

• Ak-kalpak Craftsmanship (added in 2019): This tradition involves the creation and wearing of the ak-kalpak, a distinctive felt hat worn by Kyrgyz men, symbolizing national pride and identity.

• Toguz Korgool: Traditional Intelligence and Strategy Game (added in 2020): A Kyrgyz board game that requires strategic thinking and patience, reflecting the nomadic culture’s appreciation for mental acuity.

• Falconry, a Living Human Heritage (added in 2021): The ancient art of falconry, practiced in Kyrgyzstan, is a testament to the bond between humans and birds of prey, passed down through generations.

• Nomad Games: Rediscovering Heritage, Celebrating Diversity (added to the Best Practices List in 2021): These games, which gather participants from various countries, celebrate nomadic traditions through sports, art, and culture.

• Telling Tradition of Nasreddin Hodja/Molla Nesreddin/Molla Ependi/Afendi Kozhanasyr Anecdotes (added in 2022): A collection of humorous and moral tales shared across Central Asia, these anecdotes are a cultural bridge that continues to entertain and enlighten.

• Midwifery: Knowledge, Skills, and Practices (inscribed in 2023): This recognition highlights the traditional practices of Kyrgyz midwives, honoring their role in childbirth and maternal care in Kyrgyz society.

• Elechek, Kyrgyz Women’s Headdress: Traditional Knowledge and Rituals (inscribed in 2023): The elechek is a symbol of womanhood in Kyrgyz culture, with its making and wearing rooted in ancient customs passed down through generations.

This ancient art form merges poetic storytelling, music, and improvisation to breathe life into epic narratives. The most famous of these is Manas, a monumental Kyrgyz epic that is 16 times longer than both the Iliad and Odyssey combined. Through their performances, akyns—the epic tellers—offer a vivid portrayal of Kyrgyz culture and traditions. These performers must possess a deep mastery of the Kyrgyz language and the ability to convey emotions through their voice, expressions, and gestures. Accompanied by the traditional komuz instrument, akyns create a captivating experience that connects audiences with their heritage.

The shyrdak and ala-kiyiz are iconic felt carpets, woven with craftsmanship passed down through centuries in Kyrgyzstan. Almost every household owns a shyrdak, and it is a vital part of a bride’s dowry. However, the tradition is under threat, as the use of synthetic materials has replaced authentic felt in recent years. Handmade shyrdaks are becoming increasingly rare, and the same holds true for ala-kiyiz, which is now less commonly found in Kyrgyz homes. These carpets not only serve as practical items but also embody centuries of cultural heritage.

The epic trilogy of Manas, Semetey, and Seytek recounts the unification of various Kyrgyz tribes into a single, strong nation. These tales, deeply rooted in Kyrgyz culture, have been passed down through generations in oral form. Manaschis—the storytellers of the epics—enter a trance-like state during their performances, enabling them to recite these stories for hours on end, sometimes as long as 13 hours without a break. Becoming a manaschi requires extensive training, as the storytelling is a revered and complex art form.

The yurt is a traditional Kyrgyz dwelling, designed for the nomadic lifestyle. It has a circular frame, covered in felt and adorned with intricate embroidery. Built entirely from natural materials, the yurt is not only a home but also a symbol of Kyrgyz culture. It plays a central role in major life events, from weddings to memorials. This craft, recognized by UNESCO, showcases the deep connection between the Kyrgyz people and their natural surroundings.

Aitysh, also known as Aitys, is a traditional Kyrgyz art form that encourages public speaking and improvisational skills. During competitions, participants must spontaneously compose verses on a given topic while accompanying themselves on the komuz, a Kyrgyz string instrument. Typically, two contestants face off in a poetic duel, with no set limit to the length of the verses. This rich tradition of verbal improvisation is also recognized in Kazakhstan and has deep cultural roots across Central Asia.

Nooruz is an ancient festival celebrated across Central Asia, as well as in Turkey, Iran, Iraq, India, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan. Held on March 21st, during the spring equinox, Nooruz marks the start of the new year and the arrival of spring. Traditions include preparing festive meals, visiting friends and family, and hosting large folk celebrations. In Kyrgyzstan, the holiday is observed in every region, bringing communities together in a celebration of renewal and hope.

Zhupka (with emphasis on the final syllable) is a traditional Kyrgyz flatbread that holds significant cultural importance. Thin, dry, and long-lasting, this bread was a staple for nomadic shepherds, who would soak it in milk or water to eat during long periods away from home. To this day, zhupka remains a favored food among shepherds and city dwellers alike. It is customary to break the bread by hand—usually by the head of the family or an honored guest—rather than cut it with a knife, reinforcing the values of tradition and community.

Kok Boru, also known as goat-rolling, is a fast-paced and intense equestrian game that has deep roots in Kyrgyz history. The aim is for riders to capture a goat carcass and retain possession for as long as possible. Both a national sport and a beloved pastime, kok boru is especially popular in rural Kyrgyzstan. Its fame has spread internationally thanks to the Nomad Games, a global event held in Kyrgyzstan since 2014 that showcases the country’s vibrant equestrian and nomadic traditions.

The ak-kalpak, or «white cap,» is a quintessential symbol of Kyrgyz national identity. This cylindrical felt headdress is a staple for men, worn with pride on both personal and national holidays. The kalpak (with emphasis on the second syllable) comes in over 80 varieties, each distinguished by its unique patterns and designs. This traditional headwear represents the unity of the 40 Kyrgyz tribes and is an enduring symbol of Kyrgyz heritage.

Toguz Korgool is a classic Kyrgyz game that transcends generations and borders. While modern versions are played on specialized boards, the game originally utilized simple holes and stones. The name Toguz Korgool translates to «nine stones,» reflecting the game’s fundamental elements. This engaging game enhances mathematical and strategic thinking and has been recognized by UNESCO in Kazakhstan and Turkey for its cultural significance.

Falconry, an ancient hunting practice involving trained birds of prey, has been integral to Kyrgyz culture for centuries. Evidence from Kyrgyzstan indicates that falconry dates back to the 2nd millennium B.C. While today it primarily serves as a cultural pastime rather than a method of hunting for sustenance, falconry remains a celebrated tradition, showcasing the skill and bond between falconer and bird.

Launched in Kyrgyzstan in 2014, the World Nomad Games have rapidly grown in global stature, attracting participants from Central Asia and beyond. These games resurrect traditional nomadic sports such as goat-racing, falconry, horseback archery, and tug-of-war. The inaugural event featured 19 countries, and by 2022, over 100 nations had joined in celebrating the rich tapestry of nomadic traditions.

Nasreddin Hodja, also known as Upendi or Afandi, is a cherished figure in Kyrgyz folklore. His tales, passed down through generations, are known for their humor and moral lessons, highlighting values of kindness and honesty. These stories resonate deeply within Kyrgyzstan, where Upendi’s adventures remain a familiar and beloved part of cultural life.

Midwifery in Kyrgyzstan is a time-honored practice, deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of the region. Midwives play a crucial role in supporting women through pregnancy and childbirth, offering guidance, assistance, and companionship. This practice, passed down through generations, blends education with practical skills, reflecting its vital role in Kyrgyz society. Recognized as an intangible UNESCO heritage, midwifery is also celebrated in countries like Colombia, Cyprus, Germany, and Nigeria.

The elechek is a traditional headdress worn by married Kyrgyz women, rich in historical significance. This long white cloth, which can extend up to 40 meters, serves multiple roles—from a headwrap to a newborn diaper and, later, a shroud. Adorned with intricate embroidery, the elechek is a prominent feature of Kyrgyz national attire, worn during holidays, weddings, and other significant ceremonies, marking important cultural milestones.

Headdresses are an indispensable attribute of a married Kyrgyz woman, traditionally sitting tight on the head and completely covering the hair. In earlier times it was unacceptable for a married woman to go outside without an “elechek,» but now it’s only worn on special occasions.